ROCKINGHAM — Frances Covington DeSha Thomas, 79, of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Frances was born on March 11, 1942 to the late Jesse Dockery and Elizabeth Williams Covington.
An avid student, she attended Appalachian State Teachers College after high school, and received her master’s degree in psychology from California Lutheran University many years later.
Frances had many interests and talents and pursued various careers. She taught school in North Carolina, South Carolina, and California at every level from grammar school to community college. In California, she had a successful practice as a family therapist. While living in Colorado, she ran a kitchen gadgets shop with an antique store in the back.
She was also a wonderful singer, a talented artist, and a full-time homemaker when her daughters were young. She loved to sing in the choir and volunteer her time to benefit many causes. Her most recent teaching position was in Sunday school for her beloved friends in the Class of Ruth.
Frances is preceded in death by her daughter, Suzanne DeSha; and sister, Hannah McGee.
She is survived by her husband, Edward Thomas; daughter, Diane DeSha Gilday and husband Daniel Gilday of Newbury Park, California; sister, Betsy McCullen of Clinton; stepdaughter, Teresa Thomas Parks; stepson, Eddie Thomas and wife Gail Thomas of Cookeville, Tennessee; her beloved niece and nephews, step-grandchildren, and cousins. Frances will also be missed by friends too numerous to name.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022 at noon at Cartledge Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Dockery Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, Feb. 11, 2022 from 11 a.m-noon, prior to the service at the church.
Flowers are welcomed and memorials may be made to Operation Christmas Child; or Historical Preservation at Cartledge Creek Baptist Church, 152 Ben Hudson Road, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy 1 North, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Thomas family.
